Second Conforming Cirrus Jet Joins Flight-test Fleet

Cirrus Aircraft’s second Vision SF50 flight-test aircraft, dubbed “C-One” (C1), achieved a 45-minute first flight last Tuesday, lifting off from Duluth International Airport at 3:30 p.m. CST. The all-composite, single-engine jet joins the first certification flight-test aircraft SF50, “C-Zero” (C0), which has logged 153 flights and 225 hours since it began flying on March 24.

"All systems operated as expected and C1 handled quite nicely, just as we predicted,” said Cirrus flight-test pilot Terry LeSage. “This latest first flight is a validation of our dedication and commitment to the design goals of this airplane.”

Cirrus plans to deploy three SF50s for certification flight-test. C1, which was painted over the weekend, will be used for an “array of certification efforts,” including flight into known icing testing. C0 has been used primarily for aerodynamic performance and handling testing. The third flight-test aircraft–“C-Two” (C2), which is expected to join the fleet by year-end–will be used for reliability and optional equipment testing.

The seven-seat Vision SF50 is expected to receive FAA certification later next year. First customer deliveries of the $1.96 million jet are currently planned for the fourth quarter of next year.